Ebiz2 is almost ready to go. Made my first sale too.
March 5th, 2008 by KenricI’ve decided to give Ebiz2 a run. After all, it was essentially complete and just waiting to be turned on. I had been balking at paying $200 to setup my merchant account. Sometimes I can be so cheap. So today I went ahead and full force with my merchant account and SSL. I was able to get a multiple account discount since I have my ebiz1 also. So ebiz2 should be fully functional within 10 days with a startup cost of $175.00. Of course there are other costs like new computer hardware, software, desks, phone lines, that will come later, but first this biz has to make money to pay for that stuff.
Over the weekend I sold my first protein skimmer on my very beta ebiz site. For some reason, the first order of a new business is always exciting. The first order is always a validation of your effort:
It’s proof that all your work paid off, that somebody actually wants your product and that your plan has worked (for one sale at least).
Of course, with the first order comes a whole new process again. It’s your first order to your new dropshipper. You have to create a new packing slip for them, you will learn how their process works and how quickly they ship things. You’ll find out what their shipping charges are like and ultimately calculate your actual profit for that order. Then you compare the actual profit to your projected profits and see how close they align. Hopefully they’ll be close and you won’t have to adjust your pricing.
I contacted my dropshipper and placed the order. Shipping was about $10 more than I expected which cut into profits. But my first order, it was pretty much what I expected. I always seem to underestimate shipping costs.
I don’t plan on doing much SEO or adding a blog onto this business. My marketing budget will be alot lower because I think the PPC prices are less competitive. I won’t know until I try and I’m not going to try until the rest of the site is complete. I’m hoping that this can make my $400/mo goal so I can buy my new car.
Posted in Ebiz2 | 
Stumble it!
That’s really interesting! Congratulations on your first sale!
By Trisha on Mar 5, 2008
I don’t know what a protein skimmer is. I clicked on your link to find out, and I still don’t know. Do the buyers who come to your site already know what this is? Would it make sense to add a cute, witty definition on your home page?
By JennyC on Mar 5, 2008
Hi Jenny, most people who buy a protein skimmer know exactly which model they want. There’s really no need for more information on my site them because customers won’t spend $300-$400 on these without extensive research on forums and other sites.
By Kenric on Mar 5, 2008
I guess if you get a lot of these small ebiz’s up and running, the cash flow will really add up! Goodjob.
By Anonymous on Mar 5, 2008